Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Macrogol 3350, Potassium chloride, Sodium chloride, Sodium hydrogen carbonate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour is a laxative used for the treatment of long-term (chronic) constipation and faecal impaction (persistent constipation, where a large volume of stools cause a blockage of the rectum and/or colon). It is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Macrogol 3350 makes your faeces softer and easier to pass, giving you relief from constipation. The electrolytes (salts) help to maintain your body's normal levels of sodium, potassium and water while you are being treated for constipation.
What you need to know before you take it
e CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour Do not take CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour if you:
- are allergic (hypersensitive) to macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium chloride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- have a perforated gut (bowel) wall
- have a blockage in your intestine (gut obstruction, ileus)
- have severe inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or toxic megacolon If any of these apply to you, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. Warning and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour if you have heart or kidney problems, an impaired gag reflex, difficulty swallowing or suffer from heartburn. When taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour you should continue to take plenty of fluids. The fluid content of CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour should not replace your regular liquid intake. Heart conditions Follow the special instructions in section 3 if you have a heart condition and are taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour for faecal impaction.
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Other medicines and CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Some medicines, e.g. anti-epileptics, may not work as effectively during use with CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour. You should not take any other medicines by mouth together with CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour and for one hour before and for one hour after taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour. If you need to thicken fluids in order to swallow them safely, CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour may counteract the effect of the thickener. CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour with food and drink CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour can be taken at any time with or without food or drink Pregnancy and breast-feeding CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour can be taken during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour. Driving and using machines CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour has no effect on the ability to drive or use machinery. CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour contains potassium This medicine contains 0.63 mmol (25 mg) potassium per sachet. To be taken into consideration by patients with reduced kidney function or patients on a controlled potassium diet. CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour contains sodium This medicine contains 187 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each sachet. This is equivalent to 9.35% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult. When used to treat chronic constipation, the maximum recommended daily dose of this medicinal product contains 561 mg sodium (found in table salt). This is equivalent to 28.05% of the adult recommended maximum daily dietary intake for sodium. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you need CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time, especially if you have been advised to have a low salt diet. CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour contains sorbitol (E420) This medicine contains 1.61 mg sorbitol (E420) in each sachet.
How to take it
CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Treatment of chronic constipation in adults, children (aged 12 years and above) and the elderly: The recommended dose for constipation is 1 sachet taken 1-3 times daily. Duration of treatment This course of treatment for constipation should not normally last longer than 2 weeks. If you need to take CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour for longer, please see your doctor. If your constipation is caused by an illness such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis (MS), or if you take medicines that cause constipation your doctor may recommend that you take CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour for longer than 2 weeks. If you need to take CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour for longer, please see your doctor. Usually for long-term treatment the dose can be lowered to either 1 or 2 sachets a day. 2
Treatment of faecal impaction in adults, children (aged 12 years and above) and the elderly: Before you take CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour for faecal impaction, your doctor must check to confirm that you have this condition. The recommended dose is 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within 6 hours for up to 3 days if required. If you have a heart condition, do not take more than 2 sachets in any 1 hour. To prevent further problems from faecal impaction, your doctor may advise that you continue taking this medicine. You should use the dose for treating chronic constipation. Duration of treatment The course of treatment for faecal impaction should be stopped when a large volume of stools is passed and does not normally last longer than 3 days. How to mix Open the sachet and pour the contents into a glass. Add about 125 ml (1/4 pint) of water to the glass. Stir well until the powder has dissolved and then drink it. If you are taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour for faecal impaction it may be easier to dissolve 8 sachets in 1 litre of water. If you take more CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour than you should This can cause severe pain and swelling in your abdomen (stomach), or vomiting (sickness) or diarrhoea. If this happens, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you forget to take CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour To get the most benefit from CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour, always finish the course of treatment according to the directions in this package leaflet. This will make sure that your constipation is cleared, otherwise the symptoms you are suffering from may persist. You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 14 days. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour and tell your doctor immediately if you have:
- a serious allergic reaction which causes difficulty in breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- signs of a change in your body's fluid or electrolyte levels such as swelling (mainly in the ankles), shortness of breath, feeling weak, increasingly tired or increased thirst with headache. Other side effects include:
- Allergic reactions which may cause a skin rash, itching, reddening of the skin or a nettle rash.
- Sometimes you may have indigestion, stomach ache or rumbles. You may also feel bloated, suffer from wind, feel sick or vomit, may also experience soreness of the anus (bottom) and may have mild diarrhoea
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when starting to take CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour. These side effects generally get better if you reduce the amount of CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour you take.
Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and sachet. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 25 °C. Do not use this medicine if you notice that any of the sachets are damaged. Reconstituted CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour solution can be covered and stored in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), and should be used within 24 hours. After 24 hours, any unused solution should be discarded. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour contains One sachet of CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour contains the following active ingredients: Macrogol 3350 13.125 g Sodium chloride 0.3507 g Sodium hydrogen carbonate 0.1785 g Potassium chloride 0.0466 g When the sachet contents are dissolved in 125 ml (1/4 pint) of water, each sachet gives the equivalent of: Sodium 65 millimoles/litre Chloride 53 millimoles/litre Hydrogen carbonate 17 millimoles/litre Potassium 5.0 millimoles/litre The other ingredients are colloidal anhydrous silica, saccharin sodium and lemon lime flavour (Lemon lime flavour contains: flavouring preparations, maltodextrin, mannitol, gluconolactone, sorbitol (E420), acacia gum, colloidal anhydrous silica). This medicinal product contains potassium, sodium and sorbitol (E420). See section 2 'CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour contains potassium/sodium/sorbitol (E420)'. What CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour looks like and contents of the pack CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour is a white powder. 4
Each sachet contains 13.8 g of powder and is packed in cartons containing 20, 30, 50, 60 (2×30) and 100 (2×50) sachets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals Ltd Hillington Park Innovation Centre 1 Ainslie Road Hillington Park Glasgow G52 4RU United Kingdom
Manufacturer Klocke Pharma-Service GmbH Strassburger Strasse 77 77767 Appenweier Germany Hermes Pharma Ges.m.b.H. Schwimmschulweg 1a 9400 Wolfsberg Austria
This leaflet was last revised in February 2026
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Frequently asked questions about Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution
How do I take Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution?
Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution comes as oral solution. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution?
The active substance in Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution is macrogol 3350, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: CosmoCol Plain powder for oral solution, Cosmocol orange flavour powder for oral solution, Cosmocol orange, lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution. In total there are 6 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: macrogol 3350, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen carbonate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the treatment of chronic constipation.
For resolving faecal impaction. Faecal impaction is defined as refractory constipation with faecal loading in the rectum and/or colon confirmed by physical or radiological examination of the abdomen and rectum.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Chronic constipation
A course of treatment for chronic constipation with CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour powder for oral solution does not normally exceed 2 weeks, although this can be repeated if required. As for all laxatives, prolonged use is not usually recommended.
Extended use may be necessary in the care of patients with severe chronic or resistant constipation, secondary to multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease, or induced by regular constipating medication in particular opioids and antimuscarincs.
Adults, adolescents and the elderly: 1-3 sachets daily in divided doses, according to individual response. For extended use, the dose can be adjusted down to 1 or 2 sachets daily.
Children below 12 years old: Not recommended. Alternative products are available for children.
Patients with renal insufficiency: No dosage change is necessary.
Faecal impaction
Adults, adolescents and the elderly: A course of treatment for faecal impaction does not normally exceed 3 days.
Dosage is 8 sachets daily, all of which should be consumed within a 6-hour period.
The above dosage regimen should be stopped once disimpaction has occurred. An indicator of disimpaction is the passage of a large volume of stools. After disimpaction, it is recommended that the patient follows an appropriate bowel management programme to prevent reimpaction.
Children below 12 years old: Not recommended. Alternative products are available for children.
Patients with impaired cardiovascular function: For the treatment of faecal impaction, the dose should be divided so that no more than two sachets are taken in any one hour.
Patients with renal insufficiency: No dosage change is necessary for the treatment of either constipation or faecal impaction.
Method of administration
CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour powder for oral solution is for oral use.
Each sachet should be dissolved in 125 ml water. For use in faecal impaction 8 sachets may be dissolved in 1 litre of water.
4.3. Contraindications
CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour powder for oral solution is contraindicated in intestinal obstruction or perforation caused by functional or structural disorder of the gut wall, ileus and in patients with severe inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and toxic megacolon).
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
The fluid content of CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour when reconstituted with water does not replace regular fluid intake and adequate fluid intake must be maintained.
Confirm diagnosis of faecal impaction / faecal loading of the rectum by physical or radiological examination of the abdomen and rectum.
Mild adverse drug reactions are possible as indicated in Section 4.8. If patients develop any symptoms indicating shifts of fluids/electrolytes (e.g. oedema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure) CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour powder for oral solution should be stopped immediately and electrolytes measured and any abnormality should be treated appropriately.
The absorption of other medicinal products could transiently be reduced due to an increase in gastrointestinal transit rate induced by CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour (see section 4.5).
When using high doses of this medicine to treat faecal impaction, use caution in patients with impaired gag reflex, reflux oesophagitis or reduced levels of consciousness.
In patients with swallowing problems, who need the addition of a thickener to solutions to enhance an appropriate intake, interactions should be considered, see section 4.5.
This medicine contains 0.63 mmol (25 mg) potassium per sachet. To be taken into consideration by patients with reduced kidney function or patients on a controlled potassium diet.
This medicinal product contains 187 mg sodium per sachet, equivalent to 9.35% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.
When used to treat chronic constipation, the maximum daily dose of this product is equivalent to 28.05% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake for sodium.
CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour is considered high in sodium. This should be particularly taken into account for those on a low salt diet.
This medicine contains 1.61 mg sorbitol (E420) in each sachet.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Macrogol 3350 raises the solubility of medicinal products that are soluble in alcohol and relatively insoluble in water. It is a theoretical possibility that absorption of these drugs could be reduced transiently during use with CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour (see section 4.4).
There have been isolated reports of decreased efficacy with some concomitantly administered medicinal products, e.g. anti-epileptics. Therefore, other medicines should not be taken orally for one hour before, during and for one hour after taking CosmoCol Lemon & Lime.
CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour powder for oral solution may result in a potential interactive effect if used with starch-based food thickeners. The macrogol ingredient counteracts the thickening effect of starch, effectively liquefying preparations that need to remain thick for people with swallowing problems.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are limited amount of data from the use of CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown indirect reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Clinically, no effects during pregnancy are anticipated, since systemic exposure to macrogol 3350 is negligible.
CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour can be used during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
No effects on the breastfed newborn/infant are anticipated since the systemic exposure of the breast-feeding woman to Macrogol 3350 is negligible.
CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour can be used during breast-feeding.
Fertility
There are no data on the effects of CosmoCol Lemon & Lime Flavour on fertility in humans. There were no effects on fertility in studies in male and female rats (see section 5.3).
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour powder for oral solution has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Reactions related to the gastrointestinal tract occur most commonly.
These reactions may occur as a consequence of expansion of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract, and an increase in motility due to the pharmacologic effects of CosmoCol Lemon and Lime Flavour powder for oral solution.
In the treatment of chronic constipation, diarrhoea or loose stools normally respond to a reduction in dose.
Diarrhoea, abdominal distension, anal discomfort and mild vomiting are more often observed during the treatment for faecal impaction. Vomiting may be resolved if the dose is reduced or delayed.
The frequency of the adverse effects is not known as it cannot be estimated from the available data.
System Organ Class
Adverse Event
Immune system disorders
Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, dyspnoea and skin reactions (see below).
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Allergic skin reactions including angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash, erythema.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia.
Nervous system disorders
Headache
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, borborygmi, flatulence and anorectal discomfort.
General disorders and administration site conditions
Peripheral oedema.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactionsReporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Severe distension or pain can be treated using nasogastric aspiration. Vomiting or diarrhoea may induce extensive fluid loss, possibly leading to electrolyte disturbances that should be treated appropriately.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Cosmocol lemon and lime flavour powder for oral solution. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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